Football Association of Malawi (Fam) has advised players to prepare for life after football by investing in other income generating activities.
Fam Executive Member Chimango Munthali made the remarks on Friday, when he spoke on behalf of the association’s president Walter Nyamilandu, during the launch of Kinnah Phiri’s book Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe.
“Football is serious business. Players need special attention from youth football to elite leagues to make sure that we develop and nurture them. And this includes; combining football with education, to investing whilst playing in preparation for life after playing football. That should be extended to all athletes,” he said.Advertisement
Munthali said the onus was on the government, Fam and players themselves to change the current status.
“I feel sorry when I see legends who wrote history for our country suffering. Without pointing fingers at anyone all I can say is that the status quo needs to be changed,” he said.
Munthali said Fam executive, last year, made a resolution to be honouring Malawi’s football legends in different ways as a way of showing respect to the legends.Advertisement
He also commended Kinnah for authoring a book The Four- Legged Wizard, which fetched about K7 million.
“Some of us were lucky to have witnessed Kinnah during his playing days. Some of us might have heard the beautiful stories about Kinnah. But this book is a timely low hanging fruit for all those who are interested in knowing more about this special son of the Warm Heart of Africa,” he said.
Minister of Youth and Sports Richard Chimwendo Banda applauded Kinnah for authoring the book, saying legends like the ex-Flames striker and coach needed to be supported.